Building upon the proven success of their collaboration in the Equity Capital Markets (ECM) sector over the past seven years, Belfius Bank and Kepler Cheuvreux, Europe’s leading independent equity broker, are taking a new step forward by signing a collaboration agreement focused on Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) and fundraising services in Belgium.

The ambition is to advise and support Belgian companies, entrepreneurs and the public sector in the origination, structuring and execution of strategic transactions in a constantly evolving and increasingly international environment.

This new M&A collaboration complements Belfius’ Corporate Finance & Capital Markets (CFCM) offering, which covers Debt Capital Markets (DCM) and Equity Capital Markets (ECM), sectors in which the bank is a leader in Belgium.

An enhanced Corporate Finance & Capital Markets offering

Belfius has been a leading player in Debt Capital Markets (DCM) for many years, supporting both companies and public sector entities in their financing operations. This leading position has regularly been recognised by Euronext Brussels, which has awarded Belfius the “Bond Finance House of the Year” prize nine times in the last 12 years.

Concluded in November 2017, the initial strategic collaboration with Kepler Cheuvreux offers a leading service in Belgium for Equity Capital Markets (ECM) transactions, advisory services (research and sales) and execution of equity transactions. This offering complements DCM activities to form Belfius’ Corporate Finance & Capital Markets (CFCM) department.

In line with its positioning in the capital markets, Belfius is now strengthening its CFCM department with Merger and Acquisition services for companies, entrepreneurs and the public sector by expanding its collaboration with the Kepler Cheuvreux M&A team.

A shared ambition

Belfius and Kepler Cheuvreux share the ambition of becoming a leader in the Belgian Mergers and Acquisitions market, in an environment where transactions are increasingly complex and international in scope. This collaboration is based on the complementary nature of Belfius’ local roots and in-depth knowledge of its clientele, and the multi-local presence and recognised expertise of Kepler Cheuvreux’ M&A team.

This positioning allows Belfius to offer its clients optimal support at every key stage, from business creation to growth, whether organic or external, to transfer or sale.

Belfius remains faithful to its mission of being “Meaningful and Inspiring for Belgian Society. Together”.

Loïc De Smet, Head of Corporate Finance & Capital Markets at Belfius:“This expansion of Belfius’ collaboration with Kepler Cheuvreux will further strengthen our role as a preferred partner, while consolidating our position as a key player in Corporate Finance and Capital Markets. The signing of this M&A collaboration reflects our commitment to helping Belgian companies, entrepreneurs and the public sector grow and to supporting their ambitions with a comprehensive range of dedicated services.”

Laurent Quirin, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Kepler Cheuvreux: “We are delighted to sign this collaboration agreement, which builds upon a number of successful Mergers and Acquisitions transactions executed by Belfius and Kepler Cheuvreux in recent years. This initiative illustrates our shared ambition to provide leading expertise in corporate finance and M&A in Belgium, combining Belfius’ proximity to the Belgian entrepreneurial community with Kepler Cheuvreux’ recognised expertise in mergers and acquisitions and strategic advice.”

Source: Kepler Cheuvreux